Day 14: Saying Goodbye

Isla volunteered to be back in the spotlight for our last full day in China. Her favorite part of the trip so far was the friendly soccer game versus Yali. She loves competition and enjoyed being outside on a beautiful warm day. 

We arrived at Yali early this morning to say goodbye to our gracious hosts. Americans could learn many important lessons about hospitality from the Yali community. We were showered with gifts and "thank you's," when truly the gratitude belonged to us for all that the faculty and families did for our delegation. Our students felt so loved; they received handwritten letters and Isla's host drew an incredible portrait of her! The Yali students cheered and waved as they ran after the bus when we pulled off campus on the way to the airport. Isla said she felt like a celebrity and the students were really sweet.

After another easy flight, we were back in Beijing! We met Miranda, our new tour guide, and headed to Wangfujing Street, a large shopping center, to get some food and have some free time to walk around. Isla likes looking for deals and being able to bargain for lower prices at the smaller markets. 

Next we stopped for dinner and then went to another famous shopping area to walk under the lights and lanterns that decorate the street. Once again, ice cream and shopping for family gifts were the main focus. 

After we checked into the hotel, we gathered for our final meeting. We heard Kayô's research on Chongqing, reflected on our favorite moments, and exchanged the secret gifts we got for one another. Before each gift, a student said something they noticed about the other person and why they gave this particular gift. It was a nice way to end the day! 

Isla's Highlight of the Day: Walking around and shopping at night. She said it was super pretty and she liked hanging out and having fun with her classmates. 

Isla's Challenge of the Day: Being at the airport and flying. She doesn't like flying because it makes her nervous.